Water lovers go whitewater rafting in the cooler months of spring for many reasons. Some people like a less crowded river. Schools have not released their students for the summer, leaving the river to those loners and introverts who love the quiet laid back atmosphere. Spring is one of the prettiest times of year when trees display their new greenery and flowers start to bloom. It’s also not so hot that you’re sweltering and cursing the southern heat of the Nantahala National Forest or the Cherokee National Forest. You definitely need to dress warmer because river water has not yet warmed up in the spring. Let Carolina Outfitters and Carolina Ocoee guide you with what to wear whitewater rafting when winter still touches everything with its frosty fingers and spring begins to awaken to a new season.
Dress in Layers
Dressing in layers is always a good idea when our Great Smoky Mountain weather hasn’t quite warmed up for the year. If the day is unseasonably warm, you can discard a layer. When rafting in any weather, always try to avoid cotton. Cotton doesn’t dry quickly and can get heavy and sap the heat from your body. Since the water is released from the bottom of the dam, the Nantahala River is always cold any time of the year, so it will be even colder in March and April. The water for the Ocoee River is released from the top of the dam, so it’s a bit warmer, but can still be cold during the months of spring. In any case, you’ll want to dress in layers during these cooler months.
Base layer
Depending on the temperature–it can sometimes be cooler or warmer according to the whims of Mother Nature–wear thermal underwear made of synthetic material or natural fibers like merino wool, topped with a layer of athletic clothes made out of polyester or nylon, which wicks away water and keeps you warmer. If it’s a warm spring day, ditch the thermal underwear. Go with fleece or wool for the base layer or any clothing that is quick drying. The goal is to stay as dry as possible in the cooler months before the summer whitewater rafting season kicks into high-gear.
Outer layer
We suggest a splash jacket which we provide for free. Or you can wear a waterproof jacket, rain jacket, or windbreaker of your own as long as it’s comfortable and doesn’t interfere with your ability to help paddle the boat or enjoy your trip down the river. Make sure everything fits without bunching up when you put on your outer layer. Nothing binding or uncomfortable. You don’t want to be annoyed with your clothes while trying to have a fun trip down the river.
Wet-Suits
A different base layer can be a wet-suit topped with a splash jacket (wear clothes underneath that won’t bunch up when you put on the wet-suit). The neoprene in a wet-suit traps your body heat in keeping you warmer throughout your trip down the Nantahala or Ocoee river in March when the temperatures are still in the lower end of the thermometer. Mornings are especially cold during this month with temperatures only reaching into the mid to lower 60s or 70s during the day in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. The splash jacket protects your upper body from getting soaked by water, therefore keeping you warmer.
Head
If you’re worried your ears will get cold, choose a wool toboggan or neoprene beanie that covers your ears. The Nantahala River doesn’t require a helmet, but the Ocoee River does, so don’t wear anything too bulky on your head if your trip is with Carolina Ocoee. You want your helmet to fit!
Feet & Hands
Your feet and hands get colder than any other part of your body. For your feet, wear wool or neoprene socks with your Crocs in sports mode, tennis shoes, or water shoes. You might want to wear waterproof shoes with wool socks to help keep your feet as dry and warm as possible. For your hands, wear neoprene or wool gloves that hold your body’s heat in even when they get wet. Dishwashing gloves will work, too, without taking away too much of your grip on the paddle.
Now that you know how to dress warmly for spring whitewater rafting, book your trip with Carolina Outfitters or Carolina Ocoee now for a fun-filled rafting trip on the Nantahala River and the Ocoee River!
